Catering Agreement Template for Qatar

A Catering Agreement sets out the terms when a catering company provides food and beverage services for events, functions, or ongoing business operations in Qatar. It details essential elements like menu options, pricing, service standards, and food safety requirements that align with Qatar's Food Law No. 8 of 2020.

The agreement typically covers staff requirements, equipment usage, liability insurance, payment schedules, and cancellation policies. In Qatar's hospitality sector, these contracts must follow strict halal food standards and local health regulations, while also spelling out responsibilities for permits, food handling certificates, and compliance with Ministry of Public Health guidelines.

Use a Catering Agreement when planning any significant food service arrangement in Qatar, from corporate events and weddings to long-term institutional dining contracts. This becomes essential before allowing a catering company to handle food preparation or service on your premises, particularly for events with over 50 attendees or contracts valued above QAR 50,000.

The agreement proves vital for protecting both parties when coordinating multi-day conferences, establishing regular meal services for businesses, or managing large-scale events in Qatar's hospitality sector. Getting it in writing before any food preparation begins helps avoid disputes about costs, service levels, and compliance with Qatar's strict food safety and halal requirements.

• Standard Event Catering: For one-time events like weddings or corporate functions, covering basic food service, staff, and equipment
• Corporate Term Agreement: Establishes ongoing food service for businesses, with regular menu rotations and quality standards
• Hotel/Restaurant Service: Specialized contracts for Qatar's hospitality sector, incorporating tourism regulations and halal requirements
• Institutional Dining: Tailored for schools, hospitals, or government facilities with strict dietary and safety protocols
• Festival/Exhibition Catering: Designed for large-scale public events with multiple service points and complex logistics

• Catering Companies: Professional food service providers who prepare and deliver meals, including Qatar-licensed restaurants and institutional caterers
• Event Organizers: Corporate event planners, wedding coordinators, and conference managers who contract catering services
• Legal Advisors: In-house counsel or external lawyers who review and customize Catering Agreements for compliance with Qatar food safety laws
• Venue Operators: Hotels, conference centers, and event spaces that coordinate with caterers and require proper documentation
• Health Inspectors: Government officials who verify compliance with Qatar's food safety regulations and halal requirements

• Event Details: Gather exact dates, times, guest count, venue specifications, and any special dietary requirements
• Service Scope: Define menu items, service style, equipment needs, and staff requirements aligned with Qatar's food service standards
• Licensing: Verify caterer's valid Qatar food service permits, halal certifications, and food handler credentials
• Cost Structure: Document all pricing, including per-person rates, minimum guarantees, and additional service fees in Qatari Riyal
• Legal Requirements: Include liability coverage, health regulations compliance, and cancellation terms that meet local contract standards

• Party Details: Full legal names, commercial registration numbers, and authorized signatories of both caterer and client
• Service Description: Detailed scope of catering services, menu specifications, and compliance with Qatar's halal requirements
• Payment Terms: Clear pricing structure, deposit requirements, and payment schedule in Qatari Riyal
• Health & Safety: Food safety protocols aligned with Qatar Food Law No. 8 of 2020 and Ministry of Public Health guidelines
• Liability & Insurance: Risk allocation, minimum coverage requirements, and indemnification clauses under Qatar law
• Termination Rights: Clear conditions for contract cancellation and associated penalties or refund policies

A Catering Agreement differs significantly from an Agency Agreement, though both involve service provision in Qatar. While they may seem similar at first glance, their purposes and legal implications are quite distinct.

• Scope of Services: Catering Agreements specifically cover food preparation and service delivery, while Agency Agreements establish broader representation rights and ongoing business relationships
• Duration and Terms: Catering contracts typically cover specific events or fixed periods, whereas Agency Agreements often establish long-term commercial relationships under Qatar's Commercial Agency Law
• Regulatory Framework: Catering Agreements must comply with Qatar's food safety and health regulations, while Agency Agreements fall under commercial agency laws and registration requirements
• Liability Structure: Catering contracts focus on food safety, service quality, and event-specific risks, while Agency Agreements address broader commercial representation and market development responsibilities